HomeBad Ass AsiansWhat's in a Name? Advice from Dear Abby Draws Backlash
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What’s in a Name? Advice from Dear Abby Draws Backlash

Padma LakshmiAdvice from Dear Abby about Indian baby names is being roundly condemned by many.

Jeanne Phillips, who took over the advice column from her late mother Pauline in 2002, suggested foreign names would subject children to teasing in school and “saddle kids” later in life.

Among those joining the chorus of condemnation has been model/actress Padma Lakshmi.

She has not been alone.

Journalist Soledad O’Brian says her name has been a blessing.

This is not a new debate limited to the Indian American community. Asians and other people of color have wrestled with this question.

Do you have an ethnic name? What has your experience been with your name? We’d love to hear your stories and your thoughts.
 
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2 COMMENTS

  1. RE: What’s in a name? Advice from Dear Abby Draws Backlash: It is nonsense to say having a strange name had no effect. It leaves you open to bullying and mockery which can last a lifetime . There is a difference between having an unusual name and having a name which means something rude or funny. If your name is Sameer or Wong that’s one thing . If your name is Dong it doesn’t help.

  2. RE: What’s in the name. Advice from Dear Abby Draws Backlash: I think today’s generation is a bit more open to names that are not like theirs. No matter what you’re name is if a person wants to bully you they will find away. I just believe that dear Abby was only looking at it from a one dimensional point of view. My name has nothing to do with either of my ethnicities or races. There are some people that chose to use biblical names for their children not matter their race or ethnicity.

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